Freedom of Religion in Syria - Religious Clauses Are Constitutionally Entrenched

Religious Clauses Are Constitutionally Entrenched

Religious freedom is guaranteed in Article 35 of today’s Syrian Constitution. It stipulates in Paragraphs (1) and (2) respectively:

The Syrian Constitution is entrenched by the need for a two-thirds majority vote of the "Peoples’ Assembly" as well as the President’s assent in order to effect any constitutional amendment. The government interprets the relevant provision to mean that "reedom of belief is inviolable and the State respects all religions and guarantees full freedom of religious observance ." It reports further that "Accordingly, the right of every religious community to profess and practise its religion and exercise its religious rights is firmly established in the Constitution and the laws in force." The comprehensive structure of the Syrian constitutional system has evolved and continues to evolve mainly around collective dimensions of religious tolerance. The extent of autonomy by which a religious community is free to organize and administer itself devoid of state (external) intervention or control in the Arab Republic is largely determined by personal status laws and public endowments. Their underlying concepts can be seen as constitutional customs.